Here Are The Three Levels Of Electric Car Battery Charging You Need To Know

Illustration of charging electric vehicle. (photo: Ford)

JAKARTA - You must already know, if you use an electric vehicle, of course you have to charge it so that it can be used again. EV charging is also now widely available to the public. Or if you want to make your own charger, you can make one at home.

However, if you've ever been confused about why the charging times are different, it's probably because the mains voltages are also different.

In general, EV charging levels have three levels, namely Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging or can be called Level 3.

Charger Level 1

Charging 1 is the most frequently found. Usually this charging can use a home socket with 120 volts. But it will be very slow.

As mentioned, the charging speed is only equivalent to 880 watts per hour (0.88 kWh) for the 8-amp speed, or 1.32 kWh for the 12-amp speed. If used for a car like the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, a full charge at the faster 12-amp speed will take about 50 hours.

This type of charging is suitable for those of you who want to charge the battery at home and when the car is not in a hurry to use.

Charger Level 2

Level 2 chargers can be found at public charging stations or at home that use 240 volts of power.

According to The Drive, the charging speed of level 2 is determined by two things, the first is the ability of the charger to supply power and the second is the ability of the vehicle to receive power.

Generally, Level 2 charging starts at a minimum of 3.3 kW per hour and can skyrocket to 19.2 kWh, depending on the amperage supplied to the charging station.

DC Level 3 Fast Charger

Level 3 charging, the fastest, is commonly used for commercial applications, and operates on a three-phase circuit of 480 V or higher, for off-board electric car charger types.

Level 3 charging is generally found at public charging stations. Level 3 charging also known as DC fast charging, charges via a 480V direct current (DC) plug.

Most Level 3 chargers provide 80 percent charge in 30 minutes. However, be aware that cold weather can extend the time it takes to charge.

Those are the three phases of charging electric vehicles that exist today. Have you tried?